【Featured Recruitment】FLAT4 "Would you like to live with an air-cooled VW Beetle?" at Shonan T-SITE GARAGE Market

Shonan T-SITE proposes a comfortable lifestyle unique to the Shonan area. The popular event "GARAGE Market" will be held in April. This time, the highlight was the recruitment of monitors for the newly unveiled air-cooled Volkswagen.

The GARAGE Market was held at Shonan T-SITE, and we visited the booth of interest

From April 18 to 19, the regular "GARAGE Market" Vol.13 was held at Shonan T-SITE in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Approximately 50 stores gathered, bringing items themed around American vintage, such as miscellaneous goods, furniture, and clothing, that entertain the "adults of Shonan."

Visitors, mainly families who enjoy lifestyles like surfing and outdoor activities, enjoyed the atmosphere that felt "just like California," wandering between Tsutaya bookstore and Starbucks. They relished the fun of searching for their own treasures among many great finds.

One of the highlights was the booth of "FLAT4," the special shop for classic Volkswagens located in Honmoku, Yokohama. In addition to original apparel and miscellaneous goods for sale at the tent, a real air-cooled Volkswagen was also on display right next to it. This vehicle was displayed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of FLAT4.

For many visitors seeing an air-cooled engine Volkswagen up close for the first time, this exhibit car was actually introducing a car that is currently recruiting free trial monitors for two years.

The 50th-anniversary project of FLAT4, titled "How about living with an air-cooled VW Beetle?" commenced the monitor recruitment unveiling at this GARAGE Market.
*Air-cooled VW Beetle = Air-cooled Volkswagen. It began production in Germany in 1938 and was manufactured for over half a century until 2003, including Type 1 (commonly known as the Beetle) among various variations. It is characterized by its air-cooled flat-four engine.

This air-cooled Volkswagen, maintained by FLAT4, is equipped with an air conditioner and is said to be suitable for everyday use, from shopping to driving. It also has passed vehicle inspection and is available for loan.

On this day, I asked FLAT4's President, Naoto Fujita, about the campaign for recruiting monitors that started.

FLAT4's campaign "Would you like to live with an air-cooled VW Beetle?"

The special shop for classic Volkswagens, FLAT president Naoto Fujita.

- Starting from June 1, you will officially recruit monitors, but I thought it was a bold plan to offer one vehicle for free loan. Can people who have never ridden in an old car also apply?

Fujita: "Yes, that's right. If possible, I would like people who have never experienced (an air-cooled Volkswagen) to try it out. There are various anxieties about riding in an old car, but I believe the best way to alleviate those anxieties is to actually ride and experience it. In the campaign that started today, they might think the (air-cooled Volkswagen) body is quite small, but after seeing and riding in it, they might find the interior surprisingly spacious. I think it's best for them to see the actual car before applying."

"Moreover, a well-maintained air-cooled Volkswagen is a car that can be used in everyday life without any issues. I believe that instead of us saying it, it would be more effective for those who have never ridden in one to share their experiences. So, we decided to offer a project where they can have a real experience for free for two years as monitors. The idea of allowing winners to ride (for free) is quite bold (laughs)."

— The air-cooled Volkswagen enriches life, and there is also the intention for the selected monitors to share these real examples.

Fujita-san "I think it's a meaningful campaign for those who want to not just see it as a mere means of transportation, but to meet people who want to enjoy something during that travel and add enjoyment to their daily lives."

Creating the next 50 years, the lifestyle and legacy of FLAT4

— Since FLAT4 started in 1976 and is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, I believe that its achievements in promoting not only Japan's air-cooled Volkswagen culture but also the culture of the American West Coast have been significant. In your view, Fujita-san, what will the next 50 years look like?

Mr. Fujita: "As the title of this campaign suggests, it's about 'living with an air-cooled VW Beetle,' right? (Air-cooled VWs) are of course vehicles, but I want people to perceive them as a part of their life, as something to coexist with. There might be troubles along the way, but that's similar to a person getting sick—if you take care of it, it will recover. I hope that air-cooled VWs will be seen more as companions that live with us rather than just objects."

"Also, I believe that in many ways, it's about 'inheritance.' For example, if an elderly person has to part with their air-cooled VW, they might hand it down to their grandchild saying, 'Do you want to try it out?' It might be when they try it that they first experience its joy. I think 'inheritance' will become a significant keyword within our company."

— Inheriting to the next generation is really wonderful.

Mr. Fujita: "Since the public recruitment for this campaign has started, it's planned to hand over the VW around October, and for the next two years, FLAT4 will continue to support it. During that time, I think various episodes will emerge and be born. I'm looking forward to it."

The key to campaign application is to "express your feelings."

― This campaign is for a documentary that will start from now, right? The application requirements include being between 18 and 39 years old and residing within 100 kilometers of FLAT4, but are there any hints for winning, like "people like this might have an easier time getting selected"?

Mr. Fujita: "I really want you to share information using your air-cooled Volkswagen as a part of your life. If we talk about current communication tools, it would likely be through social media. Also, in terms of inheritance, I want young generations to experience it in their own way. Our generation might have a feeling like 'it's an old VW, so it will break down,' but for those trying it for the first time, I hope they can start off with a clean slate, in a sense."<

"The application age is set up to 39 years old, but I understand that this might be a challenging time for those in the child-rearing generation. Initially, they might think, 'Is it really okay to go shopping with an air-cooled VW?' but then realize, 'Oh, it's totally fine once I try it! It can carry a lot of luggage,' and I hope to see scenes of them enjoying it with their kids, sharing those everyday moments."

"Of course, there might be single people or those with partners as well. Age is just one line, but it's perfectly fine for anyone who wants to have fun with a buddy. In that sense, even if it's someone's first time driving a left-hand drive vehicle, I would appreciate it if they could express their thoughts in the application details." <

― When applying, it seems like expressing those feelings would help create a clearer image for the selection process. Thank you.

Test vehicle
Volkswagen Beetle
2003 model, final production model from Mexico "Ultimate Edition"
It’s a reliable air-cooled VW Beetle maintained by FLAT4, enjoyable and safe for everyday use.
Maintenance handled by FLAT4, custom and repair support available, and options for vehicle purchase after the monitoring period.

Recruitment Overview
Monitoring period / 2 years
Number of recruits / Limited to 1 group (selection process required)
Free vehicle loan (after obtaining vehicle inspection)

Application Requirements
Ages 18 to 39 residing in Japan
Must hold an MT license
Must be able to continuously share on social media/blogs in the future (not required to currently own an account)
Willing to cooperate for media interviews/events
Able to enter into memorandum or contract
Able to envision "what kind of life you want with an air-cooled VW"
Must reside within 100km radius from FLAT4 Honmoku

For other important notes and schedules, please check the link below.

空冷VWビートルライフを2年間無料体験できるモニターキャンペーン

A Shonan-style event was a great success! Exhibits useful for an active lifestyle were also present

On this day, there was another brand to pay attention to. The "SeaSucker" displayed at the SeaSucker JAPAN booth, which uses a powerful vacuum mount, is a carrier mount that can be installed regardless of the vehicle type. Installation and removal take just seconds, and of course, no drilling into the body is required. There is no worry about damaging your beloved car, and you can easily detach roof carriers and other accessories with this vacuum mount. I thought this was something I wanted.

On days dedicated just to commuting or moving, you can keep the roof clean, and on weekends or days when you want to carry large luggage, you can attach the mount for transport.

It's interesting that you can attach it only when needed, and at the event, I was able to see demonstrations of loading bicycles and large boxes up close, as well as experience attaching and removing the vacuum mount.

Additionally, there were displays of items that allow you to safely secure dogs in the car, which caught the interest of many pet owners.

Touching a lifestyle like that of the American West Coast for both adults and children.

Each time at the GARAGE Market, there is a rich selection of vintage items that can usually not be seen. This time as well, I picked and chose from one-of-a-kind and precious items that suited my taste. The carefully selected offerings from the special shops made shopping a安心.

Moreover, there are plenty of items that everyone, from adults to children, can enjoy. In particular, American toys were very popular among visitors who came with small children. Nostalgic yet rare vintage toys attracted many people's attention.

There were also soft vinyl figures that made me lock eyes with them unintentionally. Encounters with vintage items are enjoyable due to these real coincidences and experiences. Finding hidden treasures to incorporate into your interior can brighten everyday life. And such encounter days will surely become unforgettable.

Shonan T-SITE hosts various weekend events, so if you find an event that interests you, why not drop by?
https://store.tsite.jp/shonan/

Shonan T-SITE
Address: 6-chome-20-1 Tsujido Motomachi, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Shonan T-SITE Main Line: 0466-31-1515 (10:00–19:00)
Shonan Tsutaya Bookstore: 0466-31-1510 (8:00–21:00)

Photography/Reporting by Masashi Kakino.

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